Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - XII. Reign of Charles XI, 1660–1697 - B. Personal Rule of Charles XI, 1672–1697
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202 A History of Sweden
decisive battle and conquer or die. One cold December
morning in 1676, the Swedish and Danish armies met
at Lund, Charles advanced with the right wing, shout-
ing to his men, "Remember you are Swedes." His
horse was shot under him, but he mounted a new one,
and mingled in the hottest hand-to-hand fight. After
several hot encounters the Danish left wing broke in
wild flight, while Charles pursued. Being informed
that his center and left wing were about to give way,
he hurried to their aid at full speed. At the sight of
their king the soldiers were fired with new courage.
A murderous fight followed. The enemy’s lines were
crowded into a clump. Their cavalry sought safety in
flight. The infantry were cut down or captured. The
battle was one of the bloodiest ever fought by Swedes.
Half of the combatants fell on each side.
After the battle of Lund, the Swedes won back Skane
step by step. Charles celebrated the day of that battle
every year; not with noise or great festivities, but in
the quietude of his chamber, he rendered thanks to
God. By the Treaty of Lund, in 1679, Sweden was left
with its territory undiminished.
Johan Gyllenstierna. Charles XI could well have
repeated the words of Gustavus Vasa that he had re-
ceived "a wasted and paralyzed kingdom." As in the
days of Gustavus Vasa, there was even now wealth
among a class of people in the midst of the general
poverty. During the dark days of trial, he decided
upon a more thorough resumption of alienated estates
than that of his father. In this determination he was
supported by a man who had won his confidence during
the war. This was the councilor Johan Gyllenstierna.
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